«Grütlianer» No. 230. 1916 (2.X.1916).
Hermann Greulich. "Open Letter to the Grütli Union of Göttingen."
607
NOTEBOOK "o" ("OMICRON")

Only a minority of workers participate in the labor movement. "Therefore the standard of living has risen only slightly, and even then only among the upper strata of the working class. The working masses have remained in the grip of want, hardship, and privation. Therefore, from time to time doubts arise as to whether the previous path is correct. Criticism seeks new paths and reckons mainly on the fact that success will be brought by more energetic action. Attempts are made in this direction, which usually end in failure, which in turn with fresh force pushes back toward the previous tactics. Whoever traces the history of the labor movement over a longer or shorter period will see this undulating line... But now a world war has begun... for the broad masses... a cruel disappointment... a monstrous worsening of living conditions, bringing want even to those strata which previously still led a tolerable existence, strengthens the revolutionary current. Everything that existed before is called into question: principles, tactics, and organization... Whoever is capable of rising in thought above the bustle of the day,... will find this great dispute" (over revolutionary principles and tactics) "comprehensible and will not despair because of it. Of course, enough stupidities were committed—but on both sides...

Until now it has fallen to almost me alone to make attempts at reconciliation... The party leadership truly did not live up to its task and gave in too much to the influence of hotheads... The Central Committee of the Grütli Union has decided to take the path of 'practical national politics,' which it intends to pursue outside the party... Why did it not do this within the party? Why did it almost always leave it to me alone to conduct the struggle against the ultra-radicals?...

...I am firmly convinced that from the present fermentation in the party will finally come good wine, if only the barrel is not sealed before fermentation is complete..» The party can only be proletarian and must not become a sect whose actions are incomprehensible to the proletariat... If it (the Grütli Union)... rejects agreement with the party, then there is no longer a place for me in this union. I believe in the future of the party and therefore always go with it." (End.) Bern. 26.IX.1916.

Herein also the reply of the CC of the Grütli Union to Greulich. Ultra-radicalism and "mediation"—against the very existence of the Grütli Union. Herein also the feuilleton "Who is Spartacus?" (glorification)!!!